Fashion Collabs Receiving the UGirl Stamp of Approval
Just making sure you didn’t miss Balenciaga’s bedazzled Crocs…
by CAITLIN MCGONAGLE ★ JANUARY 18, 2022
2021 was the year of some of the best fashion collabs of the last decade. With major fast fashion brands beginning to branch out to high-end companies, consumers have been able to shop and sport the best of both worlds. We’ve pulled together some of the most iconic duos that deserve their recognition and are more than ready for our honest review:
Crocs X Balenciaga
I know what you’re all thinking… Crocs? The slip-ons we were all atrociously obsessed with in 2nd grade? Well, in case you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, these shoes have made quite the comeback. Not only did they manage to appeal to an audience other than elementary school students, but they have fully reinvented their products and transitioned to a much more luxurious market. And who better to help with this revamp than Balenciaga themselves (I mean c’mon). This collaboration started with the infamous foam clog (Yes, a foam clog!). With the addition of a four inch-platform, glitzy embellishments, and of course a hot pink paint job, the Balenciaga team was able to turn this simple shoe into a street style staple that quickly began taking over. We saw celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Priyanka Chopra, and even Justin Bieber among others show their support. However, Balenciaga didn’t stop there; the latest addition to this collection has everyone talking. Behold, the stiletto Croc. Instead of stacking the clog on layers upon layers of foam, the “Balenciaga Crocs 2.0” shoe stands on a narrow black heel coming in Spring of 2022. This combination of the traditional heel, mixed with unconventional rubber Croc, is the wow-factor that the fashion world is going crazy for these days… and so are we!
Skims X Fendi
Kim Kardashian’s clothing line SKIMS gained major popularity last year with its all-inclusive lounge and shapewear collections that left everyone looking snatched. Now we all know the Kardashians are no stranger to luxury, so it was no surprise when Kim came to Instagram to tease her fans with images to promote her newest collaboration with Fendi. The limited-edition collection was designed by none other than Fendi’s artistic director Kim Jones and Kardashian herself. The line launched in December 2021 and fans went crazy. It included sheer mesh bralettes and leggings, body and catsuits, an olive-green puffer jacket with the Fendi signature “FF” monogram, and more. Kim received lots of love from some of our favorite influencers via Instagram such as Maddie Zeigler, Ashley Graham, and Stassie Krananikolaou. This collection was the perfect mix of simple yet elevated and gave customers a unique way of styling a high-end design. And we couldn’t be anymore obsessed than we already are!
Yeezy X Gap
It wouldn’t be a fashion rundown if we didn’t mention the king himself: Kanye West, of course. Kanye has recently proved himself in the fashion world over the past couple of years with his iconic brand Yeezy which has garnered massive support from die-hard fans. His newest collaboration with GAP has been well received by many consumers as it is a much more affordable option to obtain an authentic “Yeezy” design (Honestly, say less!). Kanye created a colorful array of hoodies that were “arguably the most important piece of apparel of the last decade,” said West. What does that mean to him? “Slightly cropped at the waist” and “heavy as a winter coat.” So, the Yeezy Gap hoodies being made this way should come as no surprise whatsoever. These hoodies are the perfect staple to have in any wardrobe. Made with high-quality material and a signature Kanye tag. What's not to love?
These duos are just a handful of the amazing collaborations that we saw last year in 2021. They have proven their popularity and gave buyers and fans the opportunity to support their favorite creators in a totally unique way. If it isn’t clear already, we are definitely obsessed and can’t wait to see what 2022 has to offer! *fingers crossed*